The "Young Women Going Back to Nature" toolkit is part of the "Youth Going Back to Nature - Engage, Connect, Empower" project, designed to support young women at risk through environmentally sustainable outdoor activities. Developed by six international partner organizations, the toolkit aims to address challenges such as mental health issues, social exclusion, and trauma by leveraging the therapeutic benefits of nature. It provides a structured progression of activities, starting with ice-breaking exercises to create a safe and welcoming environment and culminating in more complex tasks like horse-assisted activities, all designed to promote self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.

Each activity in the toolkit is tailored to foster personal growth and social interaction, helping participants build trust, improve communication skills, and develop a deeper connection with nature. For instance, the treasure hunt encourages teamwork and problem-solving, while the mandala creation exercise focuses on building trust and collaboration among participants. The toolkit also incorporates sensory stimulation exercises to enhance mindfulness and emotional regulation, as well as metaphor cards that facilitate non-verbal communication and personal insight. These activities are designed to be inclusive and adaptable to the needs of young women facing various challenges.
The toolkit emphasizes environmental sustainability, urging users to engage responsibly with nature and reduce their ecological footprint. It supports professionals such as therapists, social workers, and educators by providing practical exercises that can be integrated into therapeutic or educational settings. Additionally, the toolkit promotes the broader goals of personal development and environmental stewardship, encouraging participants to apply the skills and insights gained from these activities in their daily lives. Through this holistic approach, the toolkit aims to empower young women, foster resilience, and contribute to their overall well-being.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project: YGBN - Youth Going Back to Nature - Engage, Connect, Empower. Nr. 2022-2-BG01-KA220-YOU-000098776.
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